Many cosmetic processes, from home-coloring to over-bleaching to burning with irons and blow dryers, can result in dry, brittle hair. Extremely damaged hair may even break, causing an uneven look to your hairstyle. Keeping your hair healthy is often about prevention rather than remedies after the fact. However, if you find yourself with a head full of hay-like hair, don't panic---it is possible to repair your hair.
Step 1
Detangle your hair when it's dry with a wide-toothed comb. Dry hair can withstand the occasional pull, but wet hair is more delicate and susceptible to breakage if you tug too hard.
Step 2
Wash your hair with a gentle, extra-moisturizing shampoo. You may be used to washing your hair daily, but try to wait a day between shampooing to reduce the wear and tear on the damaged strands. Gently finger-comb the lather through your hair; don't rub it into your scalp.
Step 3
Rinse the lather out with warm running water. Avoid repeating with another dose of shampoo; too much washing will unnecessarily tax your hair.
Step 4
Apply a healthy dollop of intensive conditioner to your damp hair and finger-comb it through to coat every strand. Leave on for 2 or 3 minutes to allow the moisturizers to saturate the hair shafts.
Step 5
Rinse out the conditioner, using your fingers to separate sections of hair.
Step 6
Dry your hair by gathering a section in a towel and gently pressing to squeeze out water. Repeat until all excess water is gone. Don't wrap your head in a towel and rub your scalp--rough drying, when your hair is in a wet, weakened state, only encourages breakage.
Step 7
Allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid rough brushing, blow drying, curling irons and flat irons to minimize additional damage to your hair. If you must style your hair with these implements, apply a moisturizing styling cream to your damp hair to protect it from the heat, and style as gently as you can.
Step 8
Avoid using gels, hairsprays or other styling products that contain alcohol; they'll dry out your hair. Try not to stick your hair in a ponytail or twist into a hair clip; the break-prone hair shafts will be further weakened. While your hair is healing, don't further process it with hair color, relaxers or chemical straighteners.
Step 9
Ask your hairdresser to cut off the damaged sections of your hair if the moisturizing regimen doesn't show results within 4 or 5 weeks. It may seem like a drastic solution, but consider it a chance to get a healthy, new look.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear a hat or apply spray sunscreen to your hair when out in the sun to avoid damage from UV rays.
Things You'll Need
- Wide-toothed comb
- Gentle, moisturizing shampoo
- Intensive conditioner
- Moisturizing styling cream
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